According to an affidavit sworn by John L. Nolle of Macon County, Illinois, on June 8, 1937, William B. Craycroft sold the railroad land which he originally purchased on October 28,1854. The following information is abstracted from a photocopy, in my possession, of the original affidavit. This affidavit is currently (April, 2003) held by the Decatur Genealogical Society Library in Decatur, Illinois.

"John L. Nolle being duly sworn upon his oath deposes and says that he resides at the Village of Boody in the aforesaid County of Macon and that he was well and personally acquainted with one Fred Kraschel, who under and by the name of Fred Kreshel did on the 10th day of October 1881 receive a deed to the West half of the south West quarter of the South West quarter of Section 8 in Township 15 North, Range 2 East of the Third Principal Meridian situated in Macon County Illinois from William B. Craycroft and his wife as shown by deed recorded in Book 91 at Page 485 in the Recorder's office of Macon County, Illinois . . ."

"Affiant further says that the hereinbefore named Henry Lindhorst did under and by the name of Henry Linthorst receive a deed of conveyance from Alfred Florey and his wife Sarah E. dated August 25, 1890 and recorded in Book 139 at Page 161 in the Recorder's office of Macon County, Illinois to the following described real estate:

"Commencing at Point on Section line at center of southwest 1/4 of South West 1/4 of Section 8, Township 15 North, Range 2 East of the 3rd P.M. and running East along said Section line 80 rods thence North 80 rods, thence West 80 rods, thence South 80 rods to place of beginning containing 40 acres except right of way for a private road not to exceed 12 feet along said South line reserved by W.B. Craycroft for his own private use and benefit, situated in the County of Macon, in the State of Illinois . . ."

William B. Craycroft obituary

17 Feb 1897
—Decatur, Illinois

Well Known Retired Farmer Succumbs to Influenza.

ILLNESS OF SHORT DURATION

Was a Man of Wealth Though Unostentatious.

William B. Craycroft, an old and highly respected citizen of Macon county, died at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at his home in Riverside Place. Mr. Craycroft had been suffering from an attack of the grip, but his condition was not thought to be particularly dangerous until about 3 o'clock yesterday morning, when his heart became affected. The family physician was hurriedly summoned, but he was unable to stay the progress of the disease. Mr. Craycroft soon lost consciousness and remained in that condition till the end came.

Mr. Craycroft was aged 68 years. He came to Illinois from Maryland when but a boy. By industry and economy he amassed considerable wealth, the most of which was invested in real estate. He owned land in Macon and Moultrie counties, besides city property. The most of his life was spent in Wheatland township. For several years before moving to Decatur he lived on his farm near Turpin station in Mt. Zion township. He was twice married, and his second wife, two daughters and three sons by his first wife survive him.

Mr. Craycroft was well known to nearly all the older residents of the county and was held in highest esteem by all. He was member of Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A.F. and A.M., and it was his wish that he be buried with Masonic honors.

The arrangements for the funereal have not been completed. The hour and place will be announced later.